Seven years ago, Malawi Under-17 National Football Team players threw the sport and the nation into disrepute when reports emerged that they were watching pornography during a World Youth Championship in Nigeria.
The Under-17 team was eventually eliminated from the competition after failing to win a single game.
Ahead of the Cosafa Youth Championship kicking-off in Mauritius tomorrow, the current squad received a timely caution before their departure on Wednesay.
Southern Region Youth Football Association Chairperson, Duncan Jumbe, who has been monitoring the team’s progress, paid the squad a courtesy call on Tuesday evening.
“You are our ambassadors. You are carrying our hopes and flag. The idea is for you to go, learn and enjoy your game. The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has not given you any target because they want to develop you, but that does not mean that you should approach the game casually. You need to compete without pressure,” he said.
Jumbe said major stakeholders, including Fam, National Youth Football Association and Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) has confidence in the team.
“You know that to get here, you all broke sweat. You underwent a rigorous age-screening exercise and trials. You are within the required age-bracket and we don’t want you to misbehave. You are not irresponsible adults who watch pornographic materials, so behave” he said.
Under-17 Team Manager, Mike Banda, a former striker for University of Malawi FC and Silver Strikers, said the side had promising players.
“We haven’t been given any target and this eases the pressure on the team. We will go there and showcase our skill. If they underrate us, we will shock them because we are eager to take our chances,” he said, while applauding coach Derklerk Msakakuona and his assistant Tione Mhone for building a good side.
The team’s skipper, Hadji Wali of Silver Youth, said their wish was to win the trophy.
Leave a Reply